GoldBod CEO calls for youth-centred approach to mining social licence
Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), Sammy Gyamfi, has called for a new approach to the concept of social licence in Ghana’s mining communities, with greater emphasis on giving young people a direct stake in the economic benefits of mining. According to him, the continued extraction of mineral resources from communities without […]
Ghana Gold Board CEO Sammy Gyamfi has advocated for a shift in how the concept of social licence is approached in Ghana's mining communities, placing a stronger focus on giving young people a direct stake in the economic benefits of mining. Speaking at the National Mining Dialogue 2026 in Accra, Gyamfi highlighted that the continued extraction of mineral resources without providing enough opportunities for the youth could weaken public trust in mining operations.
He emphasized the need to prioritize the concerns and aspirations of young people in discussions about the future of mining in Ghana.
According to Gyamfi, young people in mining communities often witness valuable minerals being taken from their lands while being unable to secure decent jobs, relevant skills, or opportunities to participate in the broader mining economy. This situation represents a significant contradiction that could undermine the relationship between mining companies and the communities where they operate. He stressed that this contradiction is not only unfair but also unsustainable.
To address this issue, Gyamfi called for mining companies to create pathways for young people to move beyond temporary and low-skilled jobs into roles that offer long-term economic opportunities. He advocated for increased investment in technical and vocational training, the provision of decent employment, and local ownership opportunities.
Additionally, he encouraged greater involvement of young people in businesses associated with the mining value chain. These measures, he argued, would enable young people in host communities to become active participants rather than passive observers of the mining activities in their areas.
Gyamfi also cautioned against viewing frustrated young people in mining areas solely as potential security threats. Instead, he urged addressing the underlying economic grievances driving dissatisfaction, which could further strain the relationship between communities and mining companies.
By reimagining social licence as a development compact focused on the youth, Gyamfi believes this approach can help build stronger and more sustainable relationships between mining companies and the host communities where they operate.
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